Explore how music can mirror truths about our communities. By using all available resources, making sure everyone’s “voice” is heard, and celebrating diversity of expression, powerful music can be created and impactful communities can grow. IRIS Orchestra’s Artist String Fellows will present a concert and interactive musical workshop exploring diversity in music. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss how music can reflect community and play with the IRIS musicians on percussion instruments made from recycled materials. 20 spots available.

Michael Gerson, an op-ed writer for the The Washington Post, will be speaking on the topic of cultivating compassion in civil discourse. 10 spots available, students are REQUIRED to attend with a parent or guardian. 10 spots available.

Students will have the opportunity to pick three issues facing youth today and discuss, learn about, and explore them. Topics will include, but are not limited to, immigration, mental health, body positivity, etc. Led by members of the Bridge Builder Leadership Board, this event is sure to be engaging and informative! 125 spots available.

Express yourself in a whole new way! Teens who join the Mixed Media Squad will be able to discover their own artistic style by diving into a wide range of mediums such as collage, inking, found objects, and more. They’ll also learn about amazing, current professional artists. Never say “I can’t” in the studio—this lab is open to all artistic skill levels! 15 spots available.

COMMUNITY ACTION opportunities:

Saturday, December 9th 9:30am-11:30am

7th-12th Tree Planting Community Action (383 Decatur St., 38105)

Join the effort to Re-Canopy Memphis. We’ll plant 130 trees in the Memphis Medical District. This is help the community by reducing heat, raising property values, and improving air quality in the community. Bring gloves and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. 50 spots available.

LUNCH PROVIDED. Are you interested in leading change in Memphis on an issue that you are passionate about? Participate in this workshop where you will learn what it takes to start your own non-profit or campaign! The workshop will also be a competition. 30 spots available.

Neighborhood Christian Centers will provide Christmas Food Baskets to 10,000 families in need. Each basket will be filled with enough food to feed a family of four for up to four days! Bridge Builders and Families are welcomed to attend. 100 spots available.

Blurb for Teens and Medical Providers: Creating a Dialogue Teen Version

Working with the Be Proud! Be Responsible! Youth Advisory Council and Le Bonheur medical residents, Bridge Builders will learn how to create a relationship with their doctor through open communication and safe spaces. Additionally, Bridge Builders will have the chance to advise the medical residents on the best way to provide care to teen patients. Le Bonheur residents will then join students in creating roleplays around teen/doctor situations, including safe sex practices, birth control, confidentiality, and body image.

Participation in this Community Action Event will also include participation in an on-going study being done by Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. The purpose of this study is to measure a sexual health literacy (knowledge needed to develop and protect sexual well-being and health) project involving medical residents who are training in pediatrics and plan to work with teenagers.

To attend this Community Action Event and be involved in this study, you must be a BRIDGE Builder between the ages of 14-19 years old. You will receive a consent form when you sign up for this event, and you must complete it with your parent/guardian. Please bring this consent form with you on the morning of the event (Saturday, December 16th). Your involvement in this Community Action Event and in the study will look like this:

On the day of the Community Event:

Before the Community Action Event begins you will complete a survey about your ability to discuss sexual health (This will take about 20 minutes).

 Participate in the Community Action Event from 9:00am – 12:00pm at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

After the Community Action Event begins you will complete a survey about your ability to discuss sexual health (This will take about 20 minutes).

About 6 months and again about 1 year after the Community Event:

Complete a survey about how you have used what you learned at the Community Event (This will take about 10 minutes each time). This survey will be sent to you by an email or a text.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:

Michelle Bowden, MD FAAP

49 North Dunlap Street, FOB 154

Memphis TN 38103

CO-INVESTIGATOR:

Christina M. Underhill, PhD

50 Peabody Place, Suite 400

Memphis TN 38103

If you or your parent/guardian have any questions, please contact Michelle Bowden, MD FAAP at 901-287-6206 or Christina Underhill, PhD at 901-287-4784.

The people who run our government matter! Help us raise awareness and get people to the voting polls. During this training you will hear from organizations working to turn out the votes and then get trained in a fun way you can be part of helping their work – Flash Mobbing the city! 50 spots available.

Working with Neighborhood Preservation Inc and neighbors in the medical district, Bridge Builders will work to transform abandoned lots into positive spaces for the community by creating community gardens, planting flowers, picking up trash, and painting and creating kid friendly spaces. 50 spots available.

The people who run our government matter! Help us raise awareness and get people to the voting polls. During this training you will hear from organizations working to turn out the votes and then get trained in a fun way you can be part of helping their work – Flash Mobbing the city! 50 spots available.